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The Nanny Survey Results are In

As we all know, the nanny profession offers many rewards…but when asked revealing questions about the best and worst aspects of the job, what does nanny really think? We sought to answer that question, and more than 100 nannies chimed in with some pretty telling responses. Here’s the scoop on what we discovered.

On choosing the nanny profession…
Some of our respondents came to the field with a background in early childhood education. Others grew up in big families and have been working with kids since they were out of diapers. Many worked in daycare, but wanted a chance to have more one-to-one time with their charges.

But the one theme shared by almost all of our respondents is a love of children and a career that promises lots of rewards. (Not to mention fun!)

“Children are absolutely fascinating and focusing on them is focusing on the future.” * “It’s never a dull moment.” * “I have always known that I wanted to work with children.” * “I get to play with toys and get away with it!” * “The profession chose me.”

What is the most exhilarating, exciting, motivating thing about being a nanny?
As anyone who has spent more than 5 minutes with a child knows, kids are really on the go! Many of our nannies cited the excitement of varied days. But being able to help children grow and explore ranked even higher on the rewards list for many of our respondents.

“Every day is an adventure...” * “The constant and pure rewards of helping children…” * “It’s great to know that I’ve helped a child achieve something that he/she couldn’t do the day before.” * “The moment it clicks and their eyes light up: priceless.” * “When they’re happy, I’m happy.” * “The big smile when you come in the door.”

Whether it’s tying shoelaces or riding a bike, being a part of their charge’s milestones was mentioned by our nannies time and time again.

What is the most difficult, aggravating, or annoying thing about being a nanny?
Wondering what really gets on nanny’s nerves? While a few mentioned long hours and salary issues, the prime suspects are things that may be easily avoidable: tasks not mentioned in the initial hire, parents who don’t communicate, and a lack of parental reinforcement, to name a few.

“Dealing with parents who have no boundaries or structure set for their children.” * “When you have no idea what the family is expecting of you…” * “Not feeling the support of the parents.” * “Having ‘creeping duties’ added to your job description.” * “One word: tantrums.”

When we told you that our respondents gave some candid responses, we weren’t kidding – although more than a few nannies were careful to note that they saw little aggravation at all. In fact, a fair number noted that the hardest part is leaving the kids when the job is done.

Drum Roll, Please…
If you were to give new parents one tip on hiring and employing a nanny, what would it be?
Parents, are you ready? This question seemed to bring out the passion in our nannies, and what they have to say could be enormously helpful next time you’re looking to make a hire.

This may come as a surprise, but many nannies cited the importance of background checks. Others emphasized thorough in-person interviews, crystal-clear communication about job responsibilities, patience, and being respectful – day in and day out.

“Do a really good background check and criminal check.” * “Find someone with experience who loves what they do.”“Have a trial run of about a week, to see how things go.” * “Watch the first reaction that your child has with the nanny and the nanny has with your child. It can be very telling.” * “Make sure your job description is complete in detail.” * “Employ a professional, qualified nanny and treat her as such!”

So there you have it. From career highs to instructive tips, our nannies certainly had lots to say. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Survey Snapshot:

Nanny’s Experience Level

Under 1 year: 16.8%

1 to 3 years: 16.8%

3 to 6 years: 18.6%

Over 6 years: 41.1%

No answer: 4.6%

Is Nanny happily employed?

Happily employed: 37.3%

Employed but looking: 20.5%

Unemployed and looking: 33.6%

Other (looking for extra work or a summer position, etc.): 3.7%

No answer: 4.6%

How does Nanny search for jobs?

Online classifieds (like NannyClassifieds.com): 37.5%

Newspapers: 11.8%

Nanny agency: 15.7%

Craigslist: 14.4%

Word of mouth: 14.4%

Other (Google, job banks, publishing ads, etc.): 5.9%

What are Nanny’s credentials?

CPR certified: 29.1%

First-aid certified: 25.7%

Nanny school graduate: 5.5%

College grad in Child Development or Education: 5.1%

College child development courses: 17.1%

Other (INA, day care, parenting, medical/psychology degree, etc.): 17.1%

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